Bowie Strongman Does it All

Mike Coppage

03/07/2011

You'll have to search far and wide to find an offensive lineman who packs a similar pound-for-pound punch as Jaylyn McDuffie (Arlington Bowie). McDuffie is a hard-nosed center for the Vols, but he'll likely switch to another position for college. Read further to find out more.

Jaylyn McDuffie recorded 52 pancake blocks last year, and he has the film to back it up. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder plays with a brand of anger and intensity that is rarely found among offensive linemen. Thus, it's no surprise that the junior is looking to make the switch to defense on the next level.

"I'm working on converting to linebacker," said McDuffie. "I consistently run a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash (300-pound bench, 500-pound squat). Next year, I'm going to play offense (center) and defense. We run a 4-2, so I don't know if I'll be at strongside (backer) or weakside."

What about the 52 pancakes?

"I take pride in my work," he said. "Most people think offensive linemen should be non-aggressive; that the o-line takes a hit and doesn't give it.

"I want the defensive linemen to be scared. I want them to move out of the way because they're scared. If they don't, I plan on moving them out of the way. My goal on each play is to help the player with the ball in his hand reach the end zone. On the first play of my highlight tape, Russell (Hansbrough) has a wide-open running lane up the middle. I love to set up a wide-open lane like that."

McDuffie might move to another position on the offensive line next season.

"I'm going to play more offensive tackle," he explained. "I can play any position on the line. I love it in the trenches. It's mano-a-mano."

Off the field, McDuffie takes a more genteel approach.

"I'm not hearing from any colleges yet," he said. "I'm open to hearing from anybody with a good business school. I would like to go into hotel management, because I'm a southern gentleman. I believe in treating people right, so that they come back."

Just don't invite any of Bowie's opposing defensive linemen to the hotel. They might be greeted with another pancake.